Security system

ABSTRACT

A security system is described for securing a small child to an adult. The system is useful when taking children to public places (e.g., shopping centers, amusement parks, etc.). Use of the system enables the parent to function in a normal manner without holding onto the child or carrying the child. Freedom of movement of the child, within a defined area, is also preserved. The security system comprises a strap having a loop on one end which can be placed around the wrist of the child. The loop is adapted to maintain a fixed diameter regardless of pulling force exerted by the child or parent. The other end of the strap is adapted to be attached to the parent.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a division of my copending application Ser. No.735,755, filed May 20, 1985, and now Pat. No. 4,638,764.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to security systems. More particularly, thisinvention relates to security systems for preventing children frombecoming separated from parents or other adults caring for the children.This invention also relates to security systems for mentally andphysically impaired persons.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When parents or babysitters or the like either are required, or simplydesire, to take small children to public places it becomes verydifficult to keep the children under constant restraint or supervisionwithout carrying them. Yet, it is precisely when these children are inpublic places that the greatest danger exists, whether it be the dangerof stepping into vehicular traffic or the danger of child snatching orsimply a case where the children wander away and become lost.

If the child is old enough to walk unassisted there is always the dangerthat the child could become separated from the parent or other personcaring for the child. Normally, if a child is old enough to walkunassisted, the child is too heavy to be constantly carried while inpublic places. Further, it would be more beneficial if the child wouldbe permitted to walk.

Although it is possible for the parent or other person caring for thechild to hold one hand of the child while in public, this is not alwayspossible. Furthermore, it would become very tiring and very impracticalto use one hand to hold the child at all times (for example, whileshopping). Also, the child may not want to hold hands with the parent orother person and will therefore resist this measure. Yet, a child maydart into traffic or wander away and become lost in a very short periodof time if not restrained in some manner.

Although a stroller may be used for very small children, they will wantto be out of the stroller and be able to walk at least a portion of thetime. Also, for children of slightly larger size, they may not want tobe in a stroller at all.

It has also been proposed to use a harness which is fastened over andaround the trunk of the child. The parent may then either hold onto theharness or to a strap secured to the harness. Such a product appears tohave been negatively received by the public for the most part.Furthermore, such a harness must be fitted over the child's clothing andseveral adjustments may be required in order to properly fit so that itis sufficiently tight to prevent the child from getting out of it butnot so tight as to restrict motion of the child or to be uncomfortable.

There has not heretofore been provided a simple and effective means forpreventing children from becoming separated from their parents whilestill enabling a child to have freedom of movement within a definedarea. The present invention provides a system which meets these criteriaand more.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a securitysystem which is simple and effective for preventing small children frombecoming separated from a parent or other person caring for the childrenin public places.

The security system of the invention comprises a length of flexiblestrap having first and second ends. The first end is adapted to form aloop which is capable of being detachably fastened or secured to anadult (e.g., the parent or other person caring for the child). Thesecond end of the strap includes a loop which is adapted to bedetachably secured around the wrist of the child. The second loop isadapted to maintain a fixed diameter around the child's wrist and willnot pull tighter, and it will not loosen, in response to pulling forceby the child or the parent.

The security system of the invention is very light in weight, compactand totally portable. It is easily folded or rolled-up when not beingused and fits easily even into small pockets or a purse. The system isadaptable to children of any size or age. Further, the child is unableto loosen or remove the system. Use of this system also leaves theparent's hands free to attend to other necessary functions; also, thechild is able to walk or move around with freedom within a defined area.Thus, the child is more comfortable and at ease than with prior systems.The system also provides a bond of security for the child, knowing thatthey cannot become lost from the parent. Of course, the parent alsoderives a strong sense of security from the system, knowing that thechild cannot become separated or lost.

The security system of this invention may also be used in rest homes orinstitutions of all types where it is necessary or desirable to restrainpersons because of mental or physical impairment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in more detail hereinafter with reference tothe accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to thesame parts throughout the several views and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of security system of theinvention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the manner in which the embodiment of FIG. 1 issecured around the wrist or arm of a child;

FIG. 4 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 secured around the wrist or arm ofa child;

FIG. 5 illustrates one manner of attaching the embodiment of FIG. 1 toan adult;

FIG. 6 illustrates another manner of attaching the embodiment of FIG. 1to an adult;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of security system ofthe invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates the manner in which the embodiment of FIG. 7 issecured around the wrists or arms of two children;

FIG. 9 shows the embodiment of FIG. 7 secured around the wrists or armsof two children.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a cuff memberuseful in the practice of this invention; and

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a cuffmember useful in the practice of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1 there is shown a perspective view of one embodiment ofsecurity system 10 of this invention comprising a length of flexiblestrap 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 20. As shown, first end14 is adapted to form a loop 15 by pulling strap 12 through ring 16which is secured to end 14 of strap 12.

Second end 20 preferably has two ring members 18 and 19 secured thereto.Strap 12 extends through both ring members 18 and 19, then over the topof ring member 18 and back through ring member 19 again, as illustrated.Thus, this end of strap 12 forms loop 22.

The manner in which strap 12 extends through rings 18 and 19 is alsoshown and illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. As shown there, strap 12extends through rings 18 and 19, then it passes over the top of ring 18and back through ring 19 again. When strap 12 is pulled tight, ring 18is urged against ring 19 and the strap 12, because of its circuitouspath through the rings, is unable to slip in either direction. Thus,loop 22 maintains a fixed diameter or size. This loop is intended to beplaced around the wrist of the child.

In order to change the diameter of the loop it is necessary to firsturge strap 12 back through ring 19 (this is illustrated in FIG. 1) andthen, in a second step, to urge strap 12 back through ring 18. A childis unable to do this with one hand, even if the child understands theexact procedure required. As a result, the child is not able to loosenhimself or herself from the system (either intentionally orinadvertently).

The loop 15 is intended to be detachably fastened to the adult (i.e., aparent or other person caring for the child). For example, loop 15 maybe placed around the wrist of the parent (as shown in FIG. 5) or it maybe secured around the parent's belt (as shown in FIG. 6) or the parent'shand, etc.

To place the security system into use, the child's hand is placedthrough loop 22 as shown in FIG. 2. Then strap 12 is pulled through ring18 until the loop 22 is of the desired diameter (i.e., sufficientlysmall so that the child's hand will not slide back out of loop 22 andyet not so tight that the loop pinches the wrist or is uncomfortable).Then, as shown in FIG. 3, strap 12 may be pulled through ring 19 whileholding ring 18. The secured loop 22 is illustrated around the child'swrist in FIG. 4.

Another embodiment of the security system of this invention is shown inFIGS. 7, 8 and 9. In this embodiment a second loop 22A is provided whichis formed from strap 2A. Rings 18A and 19A are analogous to rings 18 and19 and have the same functions. One end of strap 12A is removablysecured to strap 12, e.g., by means of a buckle or connector 13. Strap12A may be secured to strap 12 in various other manners, if desired. Theadvantage of using a releasable or removable attachment means is thatstrap 12A may be detached if it isn't needed for a second child.

The embodiment of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 is useful when one parent is caringfor two small children and it is desired to secure both of them to onemain strap to be attached to the parent. Alternatively, the parent coulduse one embodiment of the type shown in FIG. 1 for each separate child.In another alternative, one child could be secured to the parent usingthe embodiment of FIG. 1, and a second child could be secured to thefirst child using a security strap system which has two loops 22 (one ateach end of the strap).

It is also possible to connect together several security systems of thetype shown in FIG. 1, for example, when one adult is caring for morethan one child. This may be done by inserting a portion of loop 15 ofthe strap held by the adult through ring 16 of each additional securitysystem. In such event only one of the straps need be held by, orfastened to, the adult.

The strap material which is useful in the practice of this invention isflexible and tear-resistant. It should also have good tensile strengthand should not be too elastic (i.e., the strap material should notstretch more than about 20% at the limit of its tensile strength). Thestrap material also should not be abrasive to the skin and should nothave sharp edges or corners which could cut or scrape the skin. As anadded precaution against sharp edges, the very ends of the strap may beoverstitched as illustrated by 14A in FIGS. 2 and 3 and by 20A in FIGS.4, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11.

A preferred strap material comprises a woven nylon web which is flexibleand has a smooth and soft feel. A preferred width for the strap is about0.5 to 1.5 inches. The length is preferably in the range of about 2 toabout 4 feet. When the strap comprises a woven nylon web one inch wideand 0.067 inch in thickness it has a tensile strength of about 6,800pounds and it weighs about 7.8 pounds per 100 yards of length.

Other types of materials could also be used for the strap. For example,canvas or cotton web can be used. It is also possible to use apolypropylene web, although it does not have the soft feel which nylonweb exhibits.

It is also preferable for the strap material to be launderable so thatit may be cleaned periodically without loss of strength. The nylon webdescribed above is also preferable for this reason (i.e., it is easilywashed without any deleterious effect).

If desired, the portion of the security system of the invention which isattached to the child may be lined with a very soft material such aswool, foam, rubber, etc. The opposite end, of course, could also includea layer of such material, if desired.

In another variation it is possible for either or both ends of thesecurity system to be composed of one type of material (e.g., nylon web)and the balance of the security system to be composed of another type ofmaterial (e.g., polypropylene web).

The rings which are used in the security system of this invention arepreferably metal D-rings. However, it is possible to also use O-rings orsquare rings. The ring members 18 and 19 (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS.1-4 and 7-11) are independently mounted or secured to the strapmaterial. This is best illustrated in the side elevational views ofFIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 illustrates the preferred embodiment where ring19 is captured by end 20 of strap 12. End 20 has been passed throughring 19 and then folded back against itself and preferably stitched, asrepresented by dotted line 20B. The exposed edge portion of end 20 ispreferably overstitched, as represented by lines 20A. Alternatively, end20 could be riveted to strap 12.

Ring 18 is preferably secured to the outer face of end 20 of strap 12,as illustrated in FIG. 10. This may be accomplished, for example, bystitching 18B. Preferably ring 18 is off-set slightly from ring 19 sothat there is room for strap 12 to pass over the top of ring 18 and thenthrough ring 19, as shown.

Another manner of attaching rings 18 and 19 is illustrated in FIG. 11.In this embodiment ring 19 is secured to strap 12 by stitching 19B. Ring18 is captured by the folded end 20 but is not otherwise secured tostrap 12. Other manners of attachment may also be used.

It is also possible to use rings of dissimilar types and sizes, ifdesired. However, if different size rings are used it is preferable forthe smaller ring to be used in the position of ring 19 so that ring 18cannot be pulled through ring 19.

Preferred ring members are welded closed (i.e., the ends of the metalrod from which they are made are preferably welded together). It is alsopreferred that the rings be nickel plated.

Preferably the ring members used in the security systems of thisinvention have an internal width (i.e., distance from one side to theopposite side within the ring) which is no greater than the width of thestrap. This provides for greater holding power of the strap in therings. Even more preferably the internal width of each ring member isslightly less (e.g., 1/16 inch) than the width of the strap passingthrough the ring. This results in even greater holding power when thestrap is threaded through the rings.

Other manners of securing the strap to form loops 15 and 22 may also beused so long as the loop 22 (which is to be attached to the child) iscapable of maintaining a fixed diameter in use, and cannot be opened orreleased by the child using one hand. This provides additional safetyand security because the parent knows that the child cannot releasehimself from the system. A parent, using two hands, can readily placethe loop around the child's wrist and tighten it to the desireddiameter. The parent can also readily remove the loop from the child,when desired, using two hands.

When using D-rings for rings 18 and 19 in the manner shown in thedrawings, and when the D-rings have an internal width about 1/16 inchless than the width of the strap, it has been found that no slippage ofstrap 12 through the rings occurs even at a pulling force of 175 pounds.Thus, the loop 22 is maintained at a fixed diameter and will not tightenaround the child's wrist in use.

The end of the strap which is to be connected to the parent may includevarious types of fastening means. For example, it may include a simplering, as illustrated in the drawings, which can be used to form aself-tightening loop when the strap is pulled through it. This type ofloop may be placed around the parent's wrist or belt, etc.

Other types of fastening means may be used on the adult or parent end,if desired. For example, a conventional buckle may be used, or a type ofhook-and-loop fastener, etc. may be used, if desired. It is alsopossible to fasten the end around the waist of the parent.

In other embodiments the security system of the invention may be used inrest homes, institutions, hospitals, etc. where it is necessary torestrain persons because of mental or physical impairment. For such usesthe loop 22 is placed around the wrist of the person being restrained,and the opposite end of the strap (i.e., the free end) may be secured toa bed or whatever may be required for such person. The fastening meansfor the free end may be a loop, a ring, a hook-and-loop fastener,conventional buckle, etc.

Other variants are possible without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A security system adapted to secure a child to anadult, said security system comprising a length of flexible strap havingfirst and second ends, wherein said first end is adapted to form a firstloop which is capable of being detachably fastened to said adult,wherein said second end comprises a second loop which is adapted to bedetachably secured around the wrist of said child; wherein said secondloop is adapted to maintain a fixed diameter after being placed aroundthe wrist of said child; wherein said second end of said strap includesfirst and second ring members carried thereby; wherein said first ringmember is securely fastened to said second end of said strap in a mannersuch that said first ring member is substantially immobile relative tosaid strap; whereby said second ring member has more freedom of movementthan said first ring member; wherein said strap is adapted to extendthrough said two ring members to form said second loop.
 2. A securitysystem in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first end of said strapcomprises a ring member secured to said first end of said strap.
 3. Asecurity system in accordance with claim 1, wherein each said ringmember comprises a D-ring.
 4. A security system in accordance with claim1, wherein said strap has a length in the range of about 2 to 4 feet. 5.A security system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said strapcomprises nylon web.
 6. A security system in accordance with claim 1,wherein said strap has a width in the range of about 0.50 to 1.5 inches.7. A security system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said two ringmembers comprise O-rings.
 8. A security system in accordance with claim1, wherein said strap extends through and over the top of said firstring member and then through said second ring member.
 9. A securitysystem in accordance with claim 8, wherein said strap has a widthgreater than the internal width of each said ring member.
 10. A securitysystem in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first ring member isstitched to said second end of said strap.
 11. A security system inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said second end of said strap is foldedback upon itself to capture said two ring members, and wherein saidfirst ring member is stitched to said second end of said strap.
 12. Asecurity system adapted to secure the wrist of a person to a secondperson or to an object, said security system comprising a length offlexible strap having first and second ends, wherein said first end isadapted to be detachably fastened to said second person or object,wherein said second end comprises a loop which is adapted to bedetachably secured around said wrist; and wherein said second loop isadapted to maintain a fixed diameter after being placed around saidwrist; wherein said second end of said strap includes first and secondring members carried thereby; wherein said first ring member is securelyfastened to said second end of said strap in a manner such that saidfirst ring member is substantially immobile relative to said strap;whereby said second ring member has more freedom of movement than saidfirst ring member; wherein said strap is adapted to extend through saidtwo ring members to form said second loop.
 13. A security system inaccordance with claim 12, wherein each said ring member comprises aD-ring.
 14. A security system in accordance with claim 12, wherein saidsecond end of said strap is folded back upon itself to capture said tworing members, and wherein said first ring member is stitched to saidsecond end of said strap.
 15. A method for securing a child to an adultcomprising the steps of:(a) a providing a length of flexible straphaving first and second ends, wherein said first end is adapted to forma first loop which is capable of being detachably fastened to saidadult, wherein said second end includes first and second ring memberscarried thereby; wherein said first ring member is securely fastened tosaid second end of said strap in a manner such that said first ringmember is substantially immobile relative to said strap; where by saidsecond ring member has more freedom of movement than said first ringmember; (b) encircling the wrist of said child with said second end ofsaid strap; (c) extending said first end of said strap through saidfirst and second ring members in a manner such that a second loop isformed which surrounds said wrist; wherein said second loop is adaptedto maintain a fixed diameter around said wrist; and (d) detachablyfastening said first loop to said adult.
 16. A method in accordance withclaim 15, wherein said first and second ring members each comprise aD-ring.
 17. A method in accordance with claim 15, wherein said strapextends through the interior of said first and second ring members, thenover the top of said first ring member, and then through said secondring member again.